We’re M&C Saatchi Talk, a PR & Social agency obsessed with creating the conversations that make meaningful change. While some would dismiss conversations as just small talk, we know they have the power to shape and spread culture, build and break reputations, and potentially change the world for the better.
We’re blending the art of conversation, science of communications and heart of culture to create the ideas that pull us in and bring us together. We’re already helping some of the most well known and loved brands navigate, create, and lead the conversations with the power to change the world.
If you’re a curiously minded, remarkably insightful, and earned first creative we’d love to talk.
Read on to learn more. To apply, email your CV and cover letter to talkjobs@mcsaatchi.com.
ABOUT YOU
Earned first mindset. Because we’re an agency not content with just being seen, we aspire to ideas that are shared and talked about
Curiously minded. Because ideas are always better if we ask “what if”…
Remarkably insightful. Because we believe in the power of brutal simplicity in everything
Creatively versatile. Because a great earned idea can spread and scale across all channels
Conceptually brave. Because we all need bringing out of our comfort zone sometimes
Confident communicator. Because we’ll inspire and influence by standing up for the work
Entrepreneurial spirit. Because there is always a gap for a proactive solution
You’ll be an ambitious, proactive and business-savvy individual who embraces variety and new challenges and has a track record of delivering large scale strategic and creative integrated communications programmes for corporate brands with UK and, ideally (but not essential), global brand experience.
ABOUT US
You’re not just joining an award-winning* PR & Communications agency…
You’re part of the creative and strategic heart of the business
You’re part of brand teams who love the work, respect the money and support each other
You’re part of the industry defining M&C Saatchi Group. Collaborating with experts from across Advertising, Performance Marketing, Brand Consultancy, Sports & Entertainment, Behaviour change and more
You’re part of the independently spirited SERMO Communications network. Tapping into local insights and creativity from communications agencies around the world.
About the role
We are seeking an ambitious corporate Senior Account Director (SAD) / Associate who is looking for an opportunity to step up and lead across a set of high calibre clients as well as assuming a leadership role across our growing corporate brand practice. Launched in 2020 under the merger of M&C Saatchi Public Relations and Talk.Global, the practice has a varied set of blue-chip corporate and Government clients, with sectors spanning retail, technology, e-commerce, transport, exporting and trade, drinks and lifestyle.
As we continue to grow, this is a key strategic hire suited to someone looking for the next step up in their career and the chance to be involved in a high growth team at a strategic senior level. Working closely with the Senior Director (portfolio lead), you’ll be a central player in driving forward and growing the corporate discipline offering within the business, with responsibility for servicing and growing existing clients and winning new business. This is an excellent opportunity for a senior operator passionate about delivering best in class client work and you’ll be an expert consultant figure both with clients, your team and the wider agency. The role will span client consulting and best practice, growth and development of a team of corporate specialists, plus new business planning and delivery.
FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT
Understands the economics of the business and leads financial responsibility within client teams
Manages multiple client portfolios and comfortable running scopes exceeding £100k
Oversees client account profitably and owns senior client stakeholders’ relationships and discussions regarding servicing and scope
Works closely with the Senior Director on monthly capacity, providing recommendations on team amends and additional support to balance capacity if when required.
BUSINESS MANAGEMENT
Full understanding of current business performance and future plans, with a clear focus on overall objectives
Is an ambassador and advocate for the agency at internal and external events and networking opportunities
Strong understanding of the agency’s offerings e.g. Fluency; UK consumer, SERMO, plus in-division skills to achieve organic growth
Assumes lead or No. 2 role on development of new business proposals, and is comfortable in developing strategy and creative, working in close partnership with specialists from across the agency.
TEAM MANAGEMENT
Proactively oversees the delivery across large and integrated campaigns
Full awareness of team structure, scopes and servicing per client to align capacity and proactively request in advance need for additional support/recruitment
Leads the interview process for SAM hires and below
Awareness of all AD and below team objectives, strengths and weaknesses to help them develop
Continues to lead by example to help develop team skills and inspire teams to deliver impeccable work in a hardworking, kind and fun environment.
PERSONAL MANAGEMENT
Self-motivated and energetic with a professional attitude
A quick-thinker and solutions focused with the ability to work independently, take initiative where appropriate and judge when to seek help and guidance
Showcases outstanding organisational skills and personal time management
Meticulous eye for detail, producing a high standard of work at all times, adhering to expected quality standards in their own work, and their teammates if reviewing with an eye for detail across all outputs from the team (for example coverage reports, client WIP documents, press materials, etc.)
Exemplary presentation skills – the ability to confidently and clearly present campaign strategy and creative platforms and able lead key elements of new business proposals
Excellent execution across varied client activity and overseeing lead on all campaign elements to ensure efficient delivery of agreed client work, exhibiting a flexible and adaptable approach to their own work and collaboration with team members
Demonstrates creative flair and confidently leads brainstorms, as well as leading the selection of creative ideas for the team to develop
Displays emotional intelligence and warmth and is a polished and an empathetic communicator with the ability to build rapport and trusted relationships with internal and external audiences (clients, media, influencers, partners, etc.)
Excellent senior client partnership development skills and ensuring all team members play a role in client partnership development. This includes a strong understanding of client internal pressures and ways of working
Is able to thrive in a fast-paced and diverse environment, embracing new challenges and remaining calm under pressure created by short timelines, changing situations and external / client issues requiring support
Is committed to learning and personal development – attends recommended training sessions, and proactively seeks to develop deeper skills in areas of key interest for self and team
Maintains highest level of integrity and reliability in all circumstances and is regarded as trustworthy, demonstrating diplomacy when handling confidential information and client concerns
Social media savvy, interest in international and national media landscape and trends, passion for brand storytelling and has a finger on the pulse of current affairs and the social and news agenda
Takes ownership, holds self-accountable and leads by example.
expertise/skills
Corporate Communications expert who has worked on major MNCs/ big brands, running corporate communications programmes in the UK, and ideally has international / regional brand management experience
Ideally will have worked across a wide range of sectors in career, so be comfortable switching focus and quickly developing credibility across new sectors
Experienced in reputation management, corporate brand strategy and narrative development, leadership & senior stakeholder communications, media relations, corporate material development, owned channel content management and development, internal communications, financial communications (or working in close partnership with financial comms and IR stakeholders)
Brand purpose work and ESG/ sustainability consulting experience would be beneficial
Proficient issues and crisis management handling skills
Extensive media landscape knowledge with a network of key business contacts in the UK, and ideally wider international experience/ contacts
Excellent client management skills – able to handle delicate and confidential information and resolve conflict situations (including with internal client stakeholders)
Integrated channel outlook and understanding for how to track and evaluate holistic campaign impact across these channels
Interest / experience working on B2B marketing programmes would be valuable
Expert in development of corporate brand communications strategies and enjoys pitching for new business
Appetite to split time between both hands-on client consulting, where senior counsel is required, alongside leading and driving the corporate portfolio growth within the agency (i.e., this is a client-first role for someone passionate about the work).
